2 Chronicles 20:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

We left Jehoshaphat, in the foregoing chapter, well employed in reforming his kingdom and providing for the due administration of justice and support of religion in it, and expected nothing but to hear of the peace and prosperity of his reign; but here we have him in distress, which distress, however, was followed by such a glorious deliverance as was an abundant recompence for his piety. If we meet with trouble in the way of duty, we may believe it is that God may have an opportunity of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1

It came to pass after this also ,.... After Jehoshaphat's return from Ramothgilead, and putting the civil and religious affairs of his people on a better footing, when he might have expected much peace and prosperity: that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon ; both the descendants of Lot, see Psalm 83:8 , and with them other besides the Ammonites ; a great company of Arabians, according to Josephus F18 Antiqu. l. 9. c. 1. sect. 2. ; or "with the Meamonites", which... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Chronicles 20:1

Children of Ammon , and with them other beside the Ammonites - Here there must be a mistake; surely the Ammonites are the same as the children of Ammon. Our translators have falsified the text by inserting the words "other beside," which have nothing properly to represent them in the Hebrew. Literally translated, the words are: "And it happened after this, the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them of the Ammonites:" and thus the Vulgate. The Syriac,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1

The children of Moab . In 2 Kings 3:5-27 we read of a rebellion on the part of Moab, and of the victory of Israel's king Joram, together with Jehoshaphat and the King of Edom, over Moab, now probably in quest of revenge. Beside the Ammonites . The reading of our Authorized Version here cannot stand. The Septuagint gives us some guidance in the name "the Minoei." By the mere transposing of one Hebrew character in the name Ammonites, we obtain the name Maonites (read מֲעוֹנִים for ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-4

An alarm of war-an invasion from the East. I. A STARTLING REPORT . The safety of Jehoshaphat's empire was threatened by a formidable foe. 1 . The composition of the enemy. ( 2 Chronicles 20:1 .) 2 . The number of their army. "A great multitude" (verse 2) had often before assailed Israel ( 2 Chronicles 14:11 ; 6:5 ; Joshua 11:4 ), and afterwards did assail Judah ( 2 Chronicles 32:7 ). When Solomon spoke of Israel as a people like the dust for multitude ( 2... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

The source of safety in the hour of peril. Very suddenly does the scene change in these chronicles of the kingdom of Judah. From the peaceful and pleasant duty of completing the arrangements for securing justice throughout the land, Jehoshaphat was driven to consider the alarming intelligence that a powerful combination of enemies was threatening the independence of his kingdom. We learn from these facts— I. THAT WE MAY SUDDENLY FIND OURSELVES IN MOST SERIOUS PERIL ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-37

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-37

The last chapter in Jehoshaphat's career. The aspects in which the character of Jehoshaphat offers itself to our view, in the last seen of him, are now to be considered. Few men there are who bear themselves well in prosperity, especially if the prosperity be great; and many there are who fail to submit well to the discipline of adversity. Of this latter weakness of human nature it can scarcely be said that Jehoshaphat was an illustration. The punishment that had been foretold, that solemn... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Chronicles 20:1

The present Hebrew (and English) text mentions the Ammonites twice over. Hence, some adopt a different reading and translate “the children of Ammon, and with them certain of the Maonites,” etc. Compare 2 Chronicles 20:10, note; Judges 10:12, note; 1 Chronicles 4:41, note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Chronicles 20:1

2 Chronicles 20:1. It came to pass after this also, &c. After Jehoshaphat had been so very well and zealously employed in reforming his kingdom, and providing for the due administration of justice, and the support of religion in it, and when one would have expected to hear of nothing but the peace and prosperity of his reign, he is interrupted in his good work, and brought into great perplexity, through a formidable invasion of his kingdom by several neighbouring nations: this, however,... read more

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